Special-Interests' Moneybags Are Easy Target in Capitol, but Path to Reform Unclear Series: SPECIAL INTERESTS. Part 1 of 2. Thursday: The Republican View

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IT is the best of times, it is the worst of times for campaign reformers in the nation's capital.

The best of times because every major political leader in Washington, from the White House to Capitol Hill, now champions some kind of change in the way America pays for its elections.

The worst of times because leaders don't agree how the system should be fixed. And if they fail this time, any chance for comprehensive reform will probably be lost for years.

The laurels of success, or the onus of failure, will fall directly on President Clinton and the Democratic Congress. They have the votes. They promised change. Yet the obstacles to reform may be …